A/N: Chapter 5! I can't believe that I managed to write four chapters in 12 days. That has to be a new record for me! Hope you enjoy this chapter. I realised that the last one wasn't as long as I thought it was.

Here's another disclaimer: I DON'T OWN OJAMAJO DOREMI, OKAY?

Okay.

I wrote a list of the birthdays of the FLAT4 (And Yabu) on my profile that I have made up. Akatsuki's birthday is this chapter, if you were wondering why.

Chapter 5 - Rumours
Kyoto Palace
12 July 073

Doremi sat with her ladies, sewing and talking with others. Doremi herself was sewing a baptismal gown for Hiriko's child whom had yet to be born.

"His Majesty the King will be holding celebrations for his birthday tomorrow, will he not?" Hazuki asked.

"I am unsure, but I do hope he will," Doremi replied. The court had moved back to Kyoto Palace, and Doremi hoped Akatsuki's birthday was one of the reasons why, although the main reason was that while Osaka was nice, Akatsuki favoured Kyoto. It was bigger, and it was where he grew up when he wasn't in Tokyo Castle, as the Prince of Tokyo.

The door opened and a messenger bowed as he stepped in, "Your Majesty, Lady Megumi Hamasaki has delivered of a baby boy. She has sent for me to tell you."

Doremi gasped, "Her and the babe are healthy and well?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Megumi is doing very well and the wet nurse says that the boy is a strong one."

Doremi was so relieved. When she was nearly eight, her mother had given birth to a stillborn boy and nearly died. She had seen the struggles of childbirth and would never wish that pain on anybody.

"I am glad. Thank you."

The messenger bowed his head and left, leaving Doremi and her ladies alone once again and in silence.

Aiko was the first one to speak, "Is this her first child?"

"No," Doremi replied, breaking the awkward silence; nobody felt too sure about Aiko after the way she had introduced herself, but she had drastically improved in her behaviour after just a few weeks at court. "She has another son; he's about eighteen months old."

"I see. Does he come to court?"

"No," Doremi said, "He's too young. He stays at Kurashiki Manor."

Aiko nodded in response and continued sewing.

Aiko walked through the gardens, admiring the greenery surrounding her. She needed to get out of Doremi's hot and stuffy chambers; even when the windows were open, it was still hot. She couldn't wait until autumn when it would cool.

She paused to admire some lavender which was just starting to come into season when she saw another figure sitting off in a courtyard, surrounded by sunflowers. Normally, she wouldn't have been shocked to find another person out here, as there were a lot of people in the Palace; however, she was a bit shocked to find that it was Akatsuki. She cautiously walked forward into the courtyard, not sure if he wanted to be left alone or not.

"Your Majesty," she said with a low curtsey.

Akatsuki looked up at her, "Ah, Lady Senoo, isn't it?"

Aiko nodded in response and Akatsuki gestured for her to sit down. She did, on a wooden bench opposite Akatsuki.

"What is a fine young lady like yourself doing walking around here by your lonesome?" Akatsuki asked her

"I just wished to get away from the stuffy chamber, Your Majesty. May I ask what your reason is for coming out here alone with no guards?" Aiko dared to ask.

"I just needed to come out here for a break. I haven't even been King for a month yet, and already I'm getting stressed out about this all." Akatsuki replied.

"About what all?"

"I wish I could tell you, my Lady, but unfortunately that is all confidential business," Akatsuki said, "Although, I can assure it'll all be sorted soon."

"Well, that's good to hear," Aiko told him, "I'm sure in a few months everything will have calmed down and if you're lucky, the Queen will be carrying a child."

Akatsuki sighed and slouched in the bench, a very un-kingly pose, "I hope so."

Aiko smiled; she loved having an actual conversation with somebody after being stuck with Doremi's ladies for three weeks. Sure, they weren't rude to her, but they weren't all warm and fuzzy either. She could tell they were a bit suspicious after the way she introduced herself. Aiko didn't think it was that bad… she just isn't a formal girl. But she's trying now.

"Well, Your Majesty, the Queen is quite young; she may get pregnant quickly. But if she doesn't, don't fret. You have a long reign ahead of you, I can feel it. You'll have a long time to get heirs."

Akatsuki felt better talking to Aiko; her optimism made him think differently about his life as of current. He stood, and Aiko copied him, as was manner.

"Will you walk with me back to the Palace, my Lady?" he asked, offering his arm.

Aiko nodded in response, "I would love that, Your Majesty," she linked her arm in his and they walked back through the gardens.

"Your Majesty, is it true that it is your birthday tomorrow?" Aiko asked

"It is. However, I do not wish for any celebrations. We have had too many in the last few weeks, in my opinion. I wish to save it for the Queen's birthday at the end of this month," Akatsuki paused, and leaned closer to Aiko, still walking, "But don't tell her that."

Aiko giggled, "Of course I won't, Your Majesty. I never spoil surprises."

They reached the palace and a guard opened a door to let them inside. Akatsuki smiled at Aiko, "Thanks for talking with me, my Lady. I enjoyed being in your presence."

"I did also," Aiko said, as Akatsuki led her inside.

To them, it was just an ordinary visit, a friendly chat, but not to the person they didn't see watching; one little lithe brunette duchess who wasn't going to let it go.

Kyoto Palace
13 July 073

Hazuki watched as Doremi ran through the Great Hall and up to Akatsuki, wrapping her arms around him and smothering him with kisses, wishing him a very happy birthday. She couldn't help but smile at the sight as their robes appeared to come together as one; red and purple. Unfortunately, the smile dropped as she glanced over at a certain Lady Senoo, who was also watching the pair.

Hazuki remembered what she saw the day previous; Akatsuki and Aiko walking through the gardens. She didn't know what this meant, but she was wary. She had told Poppu, but no one else.

"What do you mean you don't want a celebration?" Doremi whined, "I love parties!"

Akatsuki shook his head, "I'm sorry, Doremi, but I'm too busy right now. I wish that we could, but being King is more than just throwing huge parties every day."

Doremi pouted; an adorable look.

Hazuki glanced over at Aiko again and noticed she was smirking. What on Earth was she smirking about? What did she know? Her suspicion went up.

"Your Majesty!" A voice suddenly called. Everyone turned around to find Leon walking forward with Yabu trailing behind him, acting as a bodyguard.

"Leon!" Akatsuki replied, "How are you, brother?"

"Yeah, I'm doing pretty well," Leon said, semi-formally, "May I speak with you in private?"

"Of course," Akatsuki looked at Doremi, "I'll see you later. And you have permission to visit my chambers tonight."

Doremi went as red as her hair as Akatsuki walked off with his little brother.

"That's the third time this week he's told you that!" Poppu exclaimed in surprise

Doremi giggled a little, trying to hide her embarrassment. She stepped forward, starting to head towards her chamber and tripped on the fabrics of her gown, stumbling. Poppu and Hazuki rushed forward to help her.

Poppu sighed and rolled her eyes, "There's the sister I'm used to. I was wondering how long it'd take."

"So what is it, brother?" Akatsuki asked, sitting in a chair in his privy chamber.

"It's about the betrothal," Leon replied, sitting in a chair opposite Akatsuki.

Akatsuki's eye lit up. Momoko had gone back to her homeland, but if Leon accepted the betrothal, then he could easily get her to come back.

"You've made a decision?"

"I have," Leon said. He paused, not for dramatic effect, as he usually would, but because he still wasn't entirely sure if he was happy with his decision, "I accept the proposal. I wish to marry Princess Momoko."

Akatsuki gasped, "Really, brother?"

Leon nodded.

Akatsuki smiled, "Oh, I am so glad. I was worried you wouldn't; I thought you might not be ready to commit to that." He had a point; Leon wasn't sure if he could give up his party boy court life and settle down a bit with a wife. However, Leon wasn't a fool; he knew that he could take a mistress if Momoko was with child, or even if she wasn't.

"I'm confident I'd be able to do it," Leon said, "I just hope you are also."

"Of course!" Akatsuki laughed, slapping his brother on the back, "Now I can arrange for the Princess to come here. It shouldn't take long. I would say she'd arrive about a week before your next birthday."

"That's not too far away," Leon said; his and Tooru's birthday was August 7th, "I can't wait for her to arrive."

Akatsuki and Leon bowed their heads at each other and Leon turned and left, Yabu following. Akatsuki was at that moment glad he hadn't noticed him, as it would've ruined his mood.

Akatsuki turned around to his shadow, Youhei. He was always there unless Akatsuki requested to be completely alone and was usually silent and out of earshot. "Come on Youhei, I've got to organise a wedding."

Hazuki and Poppu sat in one corner of the room in hushed tones. Every so often, they would glance over at Aiko, and she would notice. Everybody noticed this, even Doremi.

"Poppu, Duchess Fujiwara, can I please ask what you two are talking about?" Doremi asked

"It is nothing of importance, Your Majesty," Hazuki said, trying to stop her asking.

"It must be important if you refuse to tell it to the group," Doremi said dryly, "I would love to hear what it is you two are speaking about. Please, do share."

Poppu sighed. Her sister was stubborn and she wouldn't stop until someone told her what Poppu and Hazuki were discussing. "Your Majesty, Duchess Fujiwara says she saw the Lady Senoo walking through the gardens with the King."

Doremi didn't seem disturbed by this. Aiko was an informal country girl, but she wasn't a whore. "And this is a problem?"

"They were alone," Hazuki stammered out, trying to build her case. She didn't want to sound like a spy or a liar, "They were alone and it looked like they kissed."

"That never happened!" Aiko yelled, standing up and throwing her sewing on the floor. Everybody was shocked by the outburst, "Yes, we walked together, but that was only back to the palace. He didn't kiss me; that's ridiculous. The only part of his body that touched me was his hand."

"And when was that?" Hazuki spat. Doremi gave her a shocked look; the tone of voice was one that Hazuki had never used. It sounded like something more Poppu-appropriate when she was really annoyed.

"It was when he walked me back to the palace," Aiko rolled her eyes, "What, do you think he massaged my body or something? I would never do that. The King is a married man and I respect that."

"Sure you do," Hazuki muttered. Nobody else spoke.

Aiko yelled in frustration and stormed out of the chamber. How dare they think of her like that?

"Are you making this up, or is it true?" Doremi asked after a moment of silence

"It is true, Your Majesty. I saw it all." Hazuki said.

Doremi sighed and picked up Aiko's sewing, putting it on the chair, "Well, even if it was, please don't jump to conclusions. Lady Senoo's going through a tough time as it is right now."

"Do you believe they kissed, Your Majesty?" Hazuki asked, ignoring what Doremi just said.

"I believe both my husband and Lady Senoo are experiencing difficult times right now," Doremi said

"Yes, but do you believe they kissed?" Hazuki persisted

Doremi didn't answer. Instead, she walked over to the window and sat down.

"Your Maje-" Hazuki nearly asked again, but her stubbornness was stopped by Poppu, who was shaking her head.

"Leave her," she whispered.

Kyoto Palace
20 July 073

The last week had been dreadful for Aiko and Doremi. No matter what the two of them said, the rumours Poppu and Hazuki started had spread, and now all of the court knew about it. People now think Akatsuki has already taken a mistress and will follow in the steps of his father; fathering several illegitimate children.

"Where's Lady Senoo?" Hazuki asked with a smirk. It was really mean of her, but she couldn't help but enjoy the rumours.

"She's collecting linen for my bed," Doremi said with an annoyed tone.

The tension in the air was palpable. Megumi was the one who spoke first. Megumi had very recently returned to court leaving her two sons, Kaede and Akatsuki (named after the King) at Kurashiki Manor, her non-court residence. After she arrived, it wasn't long before Hiriko had left for her confinement.

"Your Majesty, may I ask if you have yet skipped a monthly bleeding?"

Doremi shook her head, "I am unsure if I have or not, for my monthly bleedings are not monthly."

"That's quite unfortunate," Megumi said, "Let's hope that we can find other signs that will indicate pregnancy, ne?"

"We will have too," Doremi said

Aiko made her way back to Doremi's chamber, holding fresh white linen in her arms. She didn't mind doing this job for Doremi, as it got her away from Hazuki for a while. Aiko was about to head up a flight of stairs, when she was stopped by somebody.

"Hey!" the person called, "I've seen you before. You're that girl who everyone thinks is sleeping with the King!"

Aiko rolled her eyes. Not another one. She turned around and found an attractive youth with long blonde hair, "Who are you?"

The person purposely pulled a shocked face, "You don't know me!?" he laughed, "I'm the King's brother, Leon."

Aiko gasped and nearly dropped the linen, "You're Prince Leon?"

Leon nodded and leaned on the hand rail of the staircase, "Yup. That's me."

Aiko was shocked to be talking so casually to the current heir to the throne. Well, one of the heirs. At the moment, the kingdom was divided on which Prince should become King next if Akatsuki were to die without a son – daughters were married off as soon as an opportunity was available. Aiko knew that the next King would be Leon, even without meeting him; he legally was the older twin, and more responsible than his brother, who is drowned in debt.

"What are you doing here? I thought you'd be doing something, uh… important." Aiko said

Leon chuckled, "I am. Well, I think I am anyway. I'll be getting married in a few weeks, so I'm trying to get with as many ladies as I can while it's still acceptable."

Aiko couldn't help but laugh, "Sounds like fun."

"Indeed."

"Well," Aiko said, "I better get this linen to the Queen. I don't want to keep her waiting."

"See you around," Leon said, stepping out of the way so Aiko could walk up the large staircase. He admirably watched her. It was ladies like her that made him regret his decision to marry. No wonder she was supposedly sleeping with the King.

Kyoto Palace
29 July 073

Doremi couldn't believe how one event could ruin a whole day.

Hiriko had gone into labour early and delivered a dead daughter, and died soon afterwards. When they received the news, they couldn't believe it. This was supposed to be a happy day. The Princess is arriving and the following day is Doremi's birthday.

"We should call the celebrations off," Doremi said

"That's a ridiculous idea," Megumi said, "If I had died in childbirth, I wouldn't want you to not celebrate the King's birthday. I would want you to be happy."

Doremi sighed, "But it just happened. I don't want to celebrate my birthday or the Princesses arrival anymore."

"The death of one person shouldn't affect the whole court, Your Majesty," Aiko said. The two of them had become quite close due to the rumours; they both knew they were false.

"I guess you guys are right…" Doremi said, "Let's go and meet the Princess then. She will be here in a few hours."

The ladies helped Doremi dress into a rich deep red gown with gold trimmings. She hadn't worn anything like this for a while and it felt very heavy on her. Doremi nearly collapsed under the weight of the heavy gold crown when it was carefully placed on her head by Hazuki. She needed to be a Queen today.

Doremi made her way out of her chamber and down a staircase, finding Akatsuki at the bottom. She linked her arm in his and they made their way out of the castle, with Poppu and Youhei following the two.

"Are you excited to meet the Princess?" Akatsuki asked

Doremi nodded, "I am very eager. I must ask if she will be staying here or if she will move with Prince Leon elsewhere."

"If I get my way, they may move to Tokyo Castle." Akatsuki said

Poppu and Youhei rushed around the pair and opened the large double doors, revealing a pleasant summer breeze. Doremi and Akatsuki stepped outside and saw Leon standing next to a carriage with Yabu, nervously rubbing his palms together.

Akatsuki stepped past his wife and up to his brother, "How are you feeling, brother?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Leon said with a nervous laugh.

"It'll be okay. You won't be alone." Akatsuki said

Yabu helped Leon into the carriage before getting in himself. Akatsuki walked back to Doremi and then over to the other carriage, which was larger. Poppu opened the door and helped Doremi in, while Youhei did the same with Akatsuki before being chivalric and helping Poppu in also. Once they were all in the carriage, Youhei and Poppu sitting opposite Akatsuki and Doremi, they started to move.

"Let's go and meet Princess Momoko!" Akatsuki said with a smile.

A/N: Yeah, another cliff-hanger type chapter… Momoko will clearly be in the next chapter, as will Onpu.

I killed off Hiriko because she was in the way and it was just easier. I like Megumi though, so she's staying.

Thanks for reading and (hopefully) reviewing!